A new method for studying the mechanism of "Feature Identification based quality assessment" of Traditional Chinese Medicine, taking Gastrodiae Rhizoma as an example.

Aim of the study: The research group proposed that the mechanism of "Feature Identification based Quality Assessment" (FIQA) of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be explained according to the relationship between the "Feature" of TCM and the Pharmacodynamic Components representing the holistic effect of TCM. Gastrodiae Rhizoma (GR) was selected as the research object to reveal the close relationship between "Feature" and the quality of TCM. Materials and methods: In this study, the "Feature" such as "Shape", "Color", "Odour" and "Taste" of GR are quantified by the electronic nose, electronic tongue, and other instruments. Then, the Pharmacodynamic Components Group (PCG) of GR was determined which could reflect the holistic effect of GR by spectrum effect relationship analysis. By analyzing the correlation between the "Feature" and the content of PCG, the mechanism of FIQA of GR was determined. Results: The quantitative results of "Shape", "Color", "Odour" and "Taste" of GR from different sources were significantly different. Six components were selected as the PCG, which can represent the holistic effect of GR in the aspect of the neuroprotective effect. There was a good correlation between the components in the PCG and "Feature". Conclusions: The quality of GR can be determined quantitatively according to its "Shape", "Color", "Odour" and "Taste". The mechanism of FIQA of TCM can be explained according to the relationship between the Shape of TCM and the Pharmacodynamic Components representing the quality of TCM. The revelation of this mechanism reflects the holistic characteristics of the multi-component synergistic effect of TCM. This study provides a reference research method for revealing the mechanism of FIQA of TCM.

Efficacy analysis of double balloon enteroscopy in the treatment of bleeding from small intestinal vascular lesion / 中华消化杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) in the treatment of bleeding from small intestinal vascular lesion and risk factors of bleeding recurrence .Methods:From April 2013 to May 2020, at Air Force Medical Center, the clinical data of 65 patients with confirmed or suspected bleeding from small intestinal vascular lesion were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into DBE treatment group (patients of Yano classification 1a and 1b received argon plasma coagulation, and patients of Yano classification 2 and 3 accepted combination of titanium clip and submucosal injection of lauromacrogol sclerosing agent) and non-DBE treatment group (traditional treatments such as stopping anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, blood transfusion, and iron supplementation). The bleeding recurrence of patients with single small intestinal vascular lesion between DBE treatment group and non-DBE treatment group, and patients with single or mulitiple vascular lesion of DBE treatment group were compared. Univariate analysis was used to analyze the clinical data of patients with or without recurrent bleeding. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the independent risk factors and protective factors of recurrent bleeding in small intestinal vascular lesion. Independent sample t test, chi-square test and Fisher exact probability method were used for statistical analysis. Results:Forty-four (25 of single vascular lesion and 19 of multiple vascular lesion) patients were diagnosed with small intestinal vascular lesions and received DBE treatment (DBE treatment group). Twenty-one patients with single vascular lesion accepted traditional treatment (non-DBE treatment group). The recurrent rate of bleeding in patients with single vascular lesion of DBE treatment group was lower than that in patients with single vascular lesion of non-DBE treatment group and patients with multiple vascular lesion of DBE treatment group (24.0%, 6/25 vs. 71.4%, 15/21 and 12/19), and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=10.348 and 6.848, P=0.001 and 0.009). The results of univariate analysis showed that the proportion of blood transfusion, hypertension, complicated with valvular heart disease and DBE treatment in patients with rebleeding or not rebleeding from small intestinal vascular lesion was different with statistically significant (69.7%(23/33) vs. 37.5%(12/32), 51.5%(17/33) vs. 18.8%(6/32), 42.4%(14/33) vs. 12.5%(4/32) and 54.5%(18/33) vs. 81.2%(26/32), χ2=6.777, 7.628, 7.265, and 5.298, all P<0.05). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that blood transfusion during the course of disease (odds ratien ( OR)=3.736, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.082 to 12.898, P=0.037) and complication with valvular heart disease ( OR=4.916, 95% CI 1.107 to 21.829, P=0.036) were independent risk factors of bleeding recurrence in patients with small intestinal vascular lesions. DBE treatment was the protective factor of bleeding recurrence in patients with small intestinal vascular lesion ( OR=0.214, 95% CI 0.057 to 0.808, P=0.023). Conclusions:DBE is effective in the treatment of small intestinal vascular lesion bleeding, especially for single vascular lesion. Blood transfusion during disease course and complication with valvular heart disease are independent risk factors for bleeding recurrence in patients with small intestinal vascular lesion.

Expert consensus on Antiviral Oral Liquid in treatment of influenza in clinical practice / 中国中药杂志

Antiviral Oral Liquid is modified on the basis of Baihu Decoction in Treatise on Febrility Diseases by ZHANG Zhongjing and Qingwen Baidu Yin in Qing Dynasty, with effects in clearing toxic heat, repelling dampness and cooling blood. It is widely used in clinical treatment of common colds, influenza and upper respiratory tract infection, mumps, viral conjunctivitis and hand-foot-mouth disease, with a good clinical efficacy and safety. Based on a questionnaire survey of clinicians and a systematic review of study literatures on Antiviral Oral Liquid, the international clinical practice guidelines development method was adopted to analyze the optimal available evidences and expert experiences in the "evidence-based, consensus-based and experience-based" principles. The consensus was jointly reached by more than 30 multidisciplinary experts nationwide, including clinical experts of traditional Chinese and Western medicine in the field of respiratory diseases and infectious diseases, and methodological experts. In the study, literatures were retrieved based on clinical problems in the clinical survey as well as PICO clinical problems. The GRADE system was used for the classification and evaluation of evidence, and fully combined with clinical expert experience, so as to reach expert consensus by the nominal grouping method. This expert consensus recommended or suggested indications, usage and dosage, course of treatment, intervention time for treatment, and the safety and precautions of Antiviral Oral Liquid for treatment of influenza, and can provide reference for the rational use of this drug in clinical practice.

Effect of Dialectical Therapy of Bufeitang Combined with Shengesan and Fujiu Application on COPD at Stable Period and Lung-kidney Qi Deficiency Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To observe the clinical efficacy of dialectical therapy of Bufeitang combined with Shengesan and Fujiu application on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung-kidney Qi deficiency syndrome, and its effect on inflammatory damage and airway remodeling. Method::One hundred and thirty-four patients were randomly divided into control group (66 cases) and observation group (68 cases) by random number table. Patients in control group got spiriva by powder inhaler, 1 grain/time, 1 time/day, and salmeterol xinafoate and fluticasone propionate powder for inhalation for spray as appropriate, 1 suction/time, 1-2 times/days, for a continued 12 months. In addition to the therapy of control group, patients in observation group were also given Fujiu application at two-tailed acupoints of Feiyu, Piyu and Shenyu for the first day of the every San Fu and San Jiu, and dialectical therapy of Bufeitang combined with Shengesan were given at the first day of San Fu and San Jiu for 2 months. The course of treatment was 12 months. Before and after treatment, FEV1% of self-assessment questionnaire of patients with COPD (CAT), 6-min walking distance, St George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ), severity of dyspnea (mMRC) and index of BODE were assessed. And levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor-1 (TIMP-1) were detected. Result::After treatment, scores of CAT, the total score of SGRQ, scoring of each dimension and index of BODE in observation group were all lower than that in control group (P<0.01), while FEV1% was higher than that in control group (P<0.01). And 6-min walking distance was more than that in control group (P<0.01), and the numbers of acute exacerbations were less than that in control group (P<0.01). The severity of dyspnea was lighter than that in control group (Z=2.047, P<0.05). And levels of MMP-9, TNF-α, IL-6 and ratio of MMP-9/TIMP-1 were lower than those in control group (P<0.01), whereas the level of TIMP-1 was higher than that in control group (P<0.01). Conclusion::Dialectical therapy of Bufei decoction combined with Shenge powder and Fujiu application can alleviate the current symptoms of dyspnea, improve exercise tolerance, quality of life and pulmonary function, reduce the number of acute exacerbations, relieve inflammation damage and airway remodeling. The comprehensive clinical efficacy is better than that of conventional western medicine.

Chemical Constituents from the Aerial Parts of Korean Medicinal Herba Artemisiae sacrorum / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To isolate and purify the reference compounds and improve the quality standard of Korean medicinal Herba Artemisiae sacrorum. METHODS: The chemical constituents were isolated from the aerial parts of Korean medicinal herb Artemisia sacrorum by silica gel, ODS column chromatography and preparative HPLC, and the structures were identified by NMR and MS. RESULTS: Fourteen known compounds were isolated and identified as follows:1α-acetoxyeudesm-4-en-6β,11βH-12,6-olide(1),(11S)-3-oxoeudesma-1,4(15)-dieno-12,6α-lactone(2), 1-epi-dehydroisoerivanin(3), 11-epi-taurin(4), chrysanthemolide(5), 1α-acetyl-gallicadiol(6), erivanin(7), 1α, 4α-dihydroxyeudesm-2-en-5α, 6β, 11βH-12, 6-olide(8), vulgarin(9),(+)-dehydrovomifoliol(10), isoevodionol(11),(+)-epi-pinoresinol(12), lariciresinol-4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(13), and lariciresinol-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(14). CONCLUSION: All compounds are obtained from this plant for the first time. These compounds can be used as reference substances for the quality control of this ethnic medicine.

Pharmacokinetic and tissue distributions study of adenosine, 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol and Parishin C from Gastrodia elata extract in rats.

The plant Gastrodia elata is a type of the orchid plant Gastrodia elata Bl. which contains glycosides, phenols, polysaccharides, sterols, and organic acids and a variety of active ingredients are proved to have certain pharmacological activities. To understand the process in the body of Gastridua elata, we used HPLC to study pharmacokinetics and tissue distributions of adenosine, 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol and Parishin C in rats. The results showed that the three ingredients could be detected in plasma and different organizations at various time points. There was no significant difference in systemic clearance at three ingredients and it may be show that the three ingredients distributed (0.475±0.025, 0.518±0.033, 0.699±0.051) quickly and eliminated (5.37±0.87, 4.54±0.69, 5.34±0.82) slowly in plasma. There was the highest content of adenosine in spleen, followed by liver and lung. The highest content of 4-hydroxybenzylacohol in liver, and was higher in spleen. Parishin C was highest in heart, followed by liver and spleen. It is obvious that the contents of three ingredients are all higher in liver. The trends of the three ingredients' contents in G. rhizome extract were consistent with the contents in the plasma after intravenous administration.

Integrated health service in Canada:Practice and implications / 中国卫生政策研究

This paper systematically reviews the latest and relevant literatures and policy documents on the in-tegrated health services in Canada in recent years. Therefore, it summarizes the practice and mode of integrated serv-ice delivery in Ontario, Alberta and Quebec wherein the integration among health organization, health service team, and a series of health services are included. The contributing factors and impeding factors ( the barriers) of organiza-tional integration and specific integration strategy were summarized. Finally, according to the actual practical situa-tion, it is proposed that China should adhere to the government-led approach in promoting the integration of health services, and give a full play to the positive role of the market mechanism. Through strengthening the network man-agement and group service of primary health services, emphasis will be put on health services of population groups and specific diseases. Therefore, integration will be regarded as a strategic priority, increasing incentives and boos-ting promotion of nursing personnel on the process of Integrated Service Delivery, building the health information sys-tem that is conducive to integration in order to continuously advance Hierarchical Diagnosis and bridge the fragmented service system. This will help in providing residents with personalized, convenient, comprehensive, and continuous health services.

The investigation and analysis on the Chinese Medicine courses for the students major in western medicine / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective To investigate the evaluation and suggestion of the courses of Chinese Medicine for clinical students majoring in medical college. Methods In January 2017, at the end of the Chinese Medicine courses, a total of 35 clinical students of Capital Medical University were investigated through a questionnaire, mainly related to students' understanding of Chinese medicine; evaluation and suggestions for Chinese Medicine education and teaching. Results The majority of students believed that Chinese medicine was safe and effective. The proportion of believing worthing learning that the Chinese medicine accounted for 94.3% (33/35), and who believed Chinese medicine helpful for the clinical work accounted for 82.9% (29/35). However, the proportion of satisfaction with the current teaching method was 60% (21/35). Conclusions Most of the clinical students in this investigation have recognized the role of Chinese medicine, and have shown great interest in studying the course, but they are not satisfied with the current teaching. To improve the teaching quality of Chinese Medicine through the reform should be the direction of teachers' efforts in the future.

Rhododendron Molle (Ericaceae): phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology / 中国天然药物

Rhododendron molle G. Don, belonging to the Ericaceae family, is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant with a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects. This paper aimed to review the phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of R. molle, and to discuss the tendency of future investigations on this plant. A systematic review of literature about R. molle was carried out using resources including classic books about Chinese herbal medicine, and scientific data bases including CNKI, Pubmed, SciFinder, Scopus, and Web of Science. Over 67 compounds, including diterpenes, triterpenes, flavonoids, and lignans, had been extracted and identified from R. molle. The extracts/monomers isolated from the root, flower and fruits of this plant were used as effective agents for treating pains, inflammatory diseases, hypertension, and pest, etc. In addition, diterpenes, such as rhodojaponin III, were considered as the toxic agents associated with the toxicities of this plant. These findings will be significant for the discovery of new drugs from this plant and full utilization of R. molle.

Rhododendron Molle (Ericaceae): phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology / 中国天然药物

Rhododendron molle G. Don, belonging to the Ericaceae family, is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant with a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects. This paper aimed to review the phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of R. molle, and to discuss the tendency of future investigations on this plant. A systematic review of literature about R. molle was carried out using resources including classic books about Chinese herbal medicine, and scientific data bases including CNKI, Pubmed, SciFinder, Scopus, and Web of Science. Over 67 compounds, including diterpenes, triterpenes, flavonoids, and lignans, had been extracted and identified from R. molle. The extracts/monomers isolated from the root, flower and fruits of this plant were used as effective agents for treating pains, inflammatory diseases, hypertension, and pest, etc. In addition, diterpenes, such as rhodojaponin III, were considered as the toxic agents associated with the toxicities of this plant. These findings will be significant for the discovery of new drugs from this plant and full utilization of R. molle.

Inhibitory effect of Biejiajian pills on HepG2 cell xenograft growth and expression of β-catenin and Tbx3 in nude mice / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the molecular mechanism by which Biejiajian pills inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma in a nude mouse model bearing HepG2 cell xenograft.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The inhibitory effect of Biejiajian pills on the growth of HepG2 cell xenograft in nude mice was observed. Immunohistochemical method was used to examine proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in HepG2 cell xenograft, and TUNEL method was employed to detect the cell apoptosis; the expression levels of β-catenin and Tbx3 were measured by Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Biejiajian pills significantly suppressed the growth of HepG2 cell xenograft in nude mice. The tumor-bearing mice treated with a high and a moderate dose of Biejiajian pills showed significantly increased apoptosis rate of the tumor cells [(22.9±1.220)% and (14.7±0.50)%, respectively] compared with the control group [(5.5±0.90)%, P<0.05]. Treatment with Biejiajian pills significantly decreased the expressions of PNCA, β-catenin, and Tbx3 in the cell xenograft (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Biejiajian pills can inhibit the growth of HepG2 cell xenograft in nude mice and promote tumor cell apoptosis possibly by inhibiting PNCA expression and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.</p>

Effect of Yixintai Granule on mRNA and protein expression levels of AQP, in renal medulla of chronic heart failure rabbits / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of Yixintai Granule (YG) on mRNA and protein expression levels of AQP2 in renal medulla of chronic heart failure (CHF) rabbits.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>CHF rat model was established by ear marginal vein injection of adriamycin. Successfully modeled rabbits were divided into the model group, the high (8.4 g/kg), middle (4.2 g/kg), and low dose (2.1 g/kg) YG group, and the Furosemide group (2 mg/kg). Besides, a normal control group was set up. Equal volume of physiological saline was administered to rabbits of the model group and the normal control group by gastrogavage. YG at different doses was administered to rabbits of the 3 YG groups by gastrogavage. The intervention lasted for 4 weeks, once per day. After treatment the urine volume and pathomorphological changes of renal medulla tissue were observed. mRNA and its protein expression levels of AQP2 were detected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normal control group, the urine volume decreased significantly, mRNA and protein expression levels of renal medulla AQP2 increased significantly in the model group (all P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the urine volume increased significantly, and mRNA and protein expression levels of renal medulla AQP2 decreased significantly in all medicated groups (all P < 0.01). Compared with the low dose YG group, the urine volume significantly increased and the mRNA expression level of renal medulla AQP2 significantly decreased in the middle and high dose YG groups (all P < 0.01). The expression level of AQP2 protein significantly decreased in the high dose YG group (P < 0.01). Pathological changes of the renal medulla was the most obviously seen in the model group. But they were alleviated to various degrees in all medicated groups. They were more obviously attenuated in the middle and high dose YG groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>YG could improve CHF possibly through down-regulating mRNA and protein expression levels of AQP2 in renal medulla, and elevating the urine volume.</p>

Therapeutic effect of acupuncture treatment on ischemic hypoxic neonate rats with cerebral palsy / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the mechanisms of acupuncture treatment promoting the motor function recovery of neonate rats with cerebral palsy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The improved hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) means was performed to establish the model of neonate rats with cerebral palsy. All neonate rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham group, model group and acupuncture group (n = 20). We observed and scored motor function of rats, measured the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum, and also measured the expression of synaptophysin (SYP) and growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43) in the diseased region of cerebral tissue.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The motor function scores (11.3 +/- 0.29) and the serum level of SOD (147.1 +/- 12.7) U/ml in acupuncture treatment group were higher than those of model group ( P < 0.05). The serum level of MDA was lower in acupuncture treatment group than that of model group (P < 0.05). The expression of SYP and GAP-43 in the diseased region of cerebral tissue of acupuncture treatment group were higher than those of model group ( P < 0.05) .</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture-therapy could improve the motor function of neonate rats with cerebral palsy by decreasing the content of MDA in serum, increasing the contents of SOD in serum, and prolonging the upregulation of SYP and GAP-43 expressions in hmin tissue.</p>

Regulation of single herb pilose antler on the expression of Smad2 and Smad3 in the cartilage of OA rats: an experimental research / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of single herb pilose antler (PA) on the expression of Smad2 and Smad3 in the cartilage of osteoarthritis (OA) rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred 3-month old female healthy SD rats, (200 +/- 20) g, were recruited and routinely fed for 1 week. They were randomly divided into 5 groups, i.e., the low dose PA group, the high dose PA group, the normal saline control group, the model group, and the normal control group, 20 in each group. The model was prepared using classic Hulth method except the normal control group. After 6-week modeling, the model was confirmed successful by pathologic observation. PA at 0.021 g/100 g and 0.084 g/1 00 g was given by gastrogavage to rats in the low dose PA group and the high dose PA group respectively. Normal saline was administered to those in the normal saline control group. No treatment was given to rats in the normal control group and the model group. Bilateral knee cartilages were harvested at week 2,4, and 6. mRNA and protein expressions of Smad2 and Smad3 were detected by immunohistochemical assay, fluorescent quantitative PCR, and Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>OA model was successfully prepared by pathological observation. Results of immunohistochemical assay showed that Smad2 and Smad3 expressed extensively in the cartilage, and located inside the chondrocyte membrane. Compared with the model group, mRNA expression of Smad2 and Smad3 obviously increased in the low dose PA group and the high dose PA group at week 2, 4, and 6, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). Compared with the same group at week 4 after gastrogavage, mRNA expression of Smad2 and Smad3 obviously decreased in the low dose PA group and the high dose PA group at week 6, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, protein expression of Smad2 and Smad3 obviously increased in the chondrocytes of the low dose PA group and the high dose PA group at week 2 and 4, showing statistical difference (P < 0.01). Compared with the same group at week 2 after gastrogavage, protein expression of Smad2 and Smad3 obviously increased in the low dose PA group and the high dose PA group at week 4, showing statistical difference (P < 0.01). Compared with the same group at week 4 after gastrogavage, protein expression of Smad2 and Smad3 obviously decreased in the low dose PA group and the high dose PA group at week 6, showing statistical difference (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>(1) The pilose antler could repair cartilages by regulating mRNA and protein expressions of Smad2 and Smad3. (2) Up-regulating mRNA and protein expressions of Smad2 and Smad3 might be one of important mechanisms for the pathogenesis of OA.</p>

Taurine protects neuronal cells by suppressing Caspase 9 activation / 医学研究生学报

Objective Neurological diseases are closely associated with the apoptosis of neuronal cells .This article aims to study the inhibitory effect of taurine on the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons by activating Caspase 9 as well as its protective effect on the nervous system and its mechanisms . Methods Mouse hippocampal neuronal cells were randomly divided into four groups:control, injury and apoptosis, low-dose taurine protection, and high-dose taurine protection.The proliferation of the neuronalcells was observed, their apoptosis examined by MTT colorimetric assay, and the expression of Caspase 9 in different groups detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Results The injury and apoptosis group showed a poor proliferation of the hippocampal neuronal cells and decreased cell viability (A=0.102 ±0.025), significantly lower than the control group (relative A=0.643 ± 0.013), the low-dose taurine group (relative A=0.504 ±0.072), and the high-dose taurine group (relative A=0.452 ±0.029) ( all P<0 .05 ) .Immunofluorescence assay revealed significantly increased Caspase 9 activation in the injury and apoptosis group (A=61386.8 ±10083.6) compared with the control (A=4502.2 ±2518.1), the low-dose taurine (A=20077.4 ±4187.5), and the high-dose taurine group (A=13976.2 ±7044.1) (all P<0.05).Western blot showed a remarkably higher expression of Caspase 9 in in the injury and apoptosis group (A=1.23) than in the control (relative A=0.17), the low-dose taurine (A=0.21), and the high-dose taurine group (A=0.19) (all P<0.05). Conclusion Taurine can protect neuronal cells by inhibi-ting Caspase 9 activation.

Anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects of oxysophoridine on cerebral ischemia both in vivo and in vitro.

In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of oxysophoridine on ischemia and ischemia-like insults. Protection by oxysophoridine was studied at the in vivo level using a model of middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice and at the in vitro level using primary rat hippocampal neuronal cultures exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation, a model of ischemia-like injury. The behavioral test was performed by using the neurological scores. The infarction volume of brain was assessed in the brain slices stained with 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride. The neuron apoptosis was evaluated by Hoechst 33342 staining. The morphological change in the neurons was examined using a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM or EM). To evaluate neuron apoptosis, caspase-3, -9, and - 8 activities were measured using assay kits with an ELISA reader. The Western blotting assay was used to evaluate the release of cytochrome c and expression of caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax proteins. The quantitative real-time PCR assay was used to evaluate the release of cytochrome c and the expression of caspase-3 mRNA. Oxysophoridine-treated groups (62.5, 125, 250 mg/kg) markedly reduced neurological deficit scores and infarct volumes. Treatment with oxysophoridine (5, 20, 80 µmol/L) significantly attenuated neuronal damage, with evidence of decreased cell apoptosis and decreased cell morphologic impairment. Furthermore, treatment with oxysophoridine could effectively downregulate the expression of cytochrome c and caspase-3 in both mRNA and protein levels, and Bax in the protein level, and induce an increase of Bcl-2 in the protein level. The caspase-3, -9, and -8 activities were also inhibited. These findings suggested that oxysophoridine may be a potential neuroprotective agent for cerebral ischemia injury.

Clinical evaluation of early enteral nutrition in the treatment of advanced esophageal cancer / 中国综合临床

Objective To investigate the impact of early enteral nutrition on the nutritional status and complications of patients with advanced esophageal carcinomas.Methods Sixty-five patients with advanced esophageal carcinomas were randomly divided into the enteral nutrition group group (n =33) and the control group (n =32).The two groups were given enteral nutrition support and normal nasogastric feeding diet respectively in 24-72 h after hospitalization.The two groups were tested with nutrition indicators:body Mass Index (BMI)/brachial triceps skinfold thickness/upper arm circumference measurement,fasting blood glucose/serum total protein/albumin/cholesterol/triglyceride and the liver function (alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase(AST)/total bilirubin (TBiL)),and were observed the incidences of complications with liver/intestinal and infection diseases.Results After one month's treatment,compared with the control group,there was significant statistical difference between the two group in patients' nutritional status (BMI index:(22.1 ±4.5) kg/m2 vs.(19.2±4.3) kg/m2; skinfold thickness:(6.2 ±0.4) mm vs.(5.1 ±0.4)mm ; upper arm circumference:(22.8 ± 3.0) cm vs.(20.4 ± 3.2) cm ; serum total protein:(49.2 ± 10.1) g/L vs.(45.1 ± 9.9) g/L; Albumin:(35.5 ± 5.8) g/L vs.(30.6 ± 6.1) g/L; Cholesterol:(5.0 ± 0.6) mmol/L)vs.(4.3 ± 0.7) mmol/L)),the liver function(ALT:(36.0 ± 4.7) U/L vs.(61.5 ± 9.9) U/L; AST:(29.6 ±6.7) U/Lvs.(88.9±10.6) U/L;TBiL:(17.7±3.8) μmol/Lvs.(31.6 ±9.4) μmol/L) (t=2.624,2.036,2.220,2.256,4.155,2.207,2.349,2.476,2.280 respectively,P ＜ 0.05 for all),and the incidence of diarrhea (12％ (4/33) vs.34％ (11/32)) and infection (15％ (5/33) vs.41％ (13/32)) (x2 =2.501,2.193 respectively;P ＜0.05).No statistical difference was observed between the two groups on the levels of serum glucose and triglycerides,and the incidences of complications like bloating/constipation/reflux (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion The early enteral nutrition could improve the nutritional status of patients with advanced esophageal carcinomas effectively,and reduce the incidence of liver injury,diarrhea and infection.

Protective effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on neonatal rat primary cultured hippocampal neurons injured by oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion.

This study investigated the protective effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on alleviating injury from oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/RP) in primary cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Cultured hippocampal neurons were exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) for 2 h followed by a 24 h re-oxygenation. The MTT assay and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release were used to determine the neuron viability. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined by spectrophotometry using commercial kits. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in hippocampal neurons were measured using the confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Treatment with LBP (10-40 mg/l) significantly attenuated neuronal damage and inhibited LDH release in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, LBP enhanced activities of SOD and GSH-PX but it decreased their MDA content, inhibited [Ca(2+)](i) elevation and decrease of MMP in ischemia-reperfusion treated hippocampal neurons. These findings suggested that LBP may be a potential neuroprotective agent for cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Effects of Busui Shengxue Granule on bFGF and bFGFR in bone marrow derived stroma cells of chronic aplastic anemia patients / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the therapeutic effects of Busui Shengxue Granule (BSSXG) on chronic aplastic anemia (CAA) patients and its effects on bone marrow derived stroma cells (BMDSCs) correlated cytokines.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and twenty-four patients with CAA were randomly assigned to two groups according to the random digit table. Patients in the test group (61 cases) were treated with BSSXG, while those in the control group (63 cases) were treated with Zaizao Shengxue Tablet (ZST). The therapeutic course was 6 months for all. Besides, 10 healthy subjects were recruited as the normal control group. Changes of the symptom integral, therapeutic efficacy judgment, and changes of peripheral hemogram of patients were observed. The mRNA expression of b-fibroblast growth factors (bFGF) and b-fibroblast growth factors receptor (bFGFR) were detected by reverse transcription PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate of the test group was 75.0% (45/61), higher than that of the control group (58.7%, 37/63). Its symptom integral and peripheral hemogram were obviously improved, better than those of the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The mRNA expressions of bFGF and bFGFR of the test group were obviously lower than those of the normal control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). They were somewhat improved after treatment in the two groups, with better results obtained in the test group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>BSSXG showed better clinical effects. It could improve the symptom integral and peripheral hemogram of CAA patients, improve the clinical efficacy, and regulate the expression levels of bFGF and bFGFR. It improved the hematopoietic microenvironment and promoted the hematopoiesis of the bone marrow through regulating the proliferation and oriental differentiation of stroma cells, and promoting the bone marrow angiogenesis.</p>

Octreotide for the treatment of postoperative acute adhesive small bowel obstruction / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective To study the effect of octreotide on patients with postoperative acute adhesive small bowel obstruction. Method In this study, 87 patients with postoperative acute adhesive small bowel obstruction were divided into 2 groups: experimental group (46 patients) and control group (41 patients). Patients in the control group were treated with routine therapy, including gastrointestinal decompression, intravenous infusion, antibiotic and enema. Patients in the experimental group were treated with routine therapy plus somatostatin analogue (octreotide) 0.1 mg. ih q8 h. for 72 hour. The alleviation of abdominal symptom and sign and the possibility of surgical intervention are observed and compared.Results Compared to the control group, the obstruction in the experimental group alleviated significantly,the abdominal pain relieved, the amount of draining decreased, and the passage of gas was earlier.Conclusions Based on the routine therapy, the use of octreotide significantly relieves the symptoms of obstruction and shortens the course of conservative therapy.